08 Jan Dog Toys and Treats Part 2: Tooth Friendly
Believe it or not, pets have thinner enamel than humans do. So, if you think your tooth may not survive chewing the toy or treat you want to buy, theirs won’t either.
When choosing toys and treats to your dog, make sure they are tooth friendly with these two simple tests:
1. Bend the item or dig your fingernail into it. If the chew toy is too hard for your fingernail to make a temporary dent or you cannot bend the item, then it is likely too hard for the tooth.
2. Imagine if you were to bite down very hard on the toy you have picked out. Do you think it would break your teeth?
It is always best to supervise your pet with toys and treats. Since you can’t monitor your pet all the time, periodically check their mouth for anything lodged between teeth, for abnormal wear, and for swollen gums.
Here are some treat and toy ideas that are easy on teeth:
- GREENIES™
We are big fans of Greenies treats, because they clean teeth and many dogs adore them. See what GREENIES™ has to offer. Do check on your pet to make sure they are not attempting to swallow large chunks of their treat that could choke them. - Plush toys without strings
- KONG toys
We have found that KONG toys tend to be safe for teeth, so that is why we recommend them. Visit their site to read about the company and see toy options. - Hallow rubberized toys
More specifically, rubberized toys that can be filled with treats will not harm your pets teeth. As with any treat or toy you always have to be vigilant of your pet tearing pieces from the toy and swallowing it. - Smooth surfaced balls
Just check to make sure they cannot be easily punctured and that they are large enough so they cannot be swallowed.
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- Crunchy produce like carrots and apples
Produce is an easy on the teeth treat for your pet. Do keep in mind that some produce is not good for dogs to eat. Click here to view the AVMA’s list of foods to avoid feeding your cat or dog.
You can also consult your veterinarian about specific food concerns.
